RESIDENTS are being urged to tell the council their views on impending parking charges in Christchurch.

Members of the council gave the green light to a consultation on next year's charges at the borough's council-run car parks following a meeting of the policy and resources committee last month.

Councillors heard the authority is expected to make £169,000 more than originally forecast this year.

A raft of increases were introduced this year including increases in overnight charges and the price of parking permits.

Speaking after the meeting last Wednesday, Cllr Trevor Watts, chair of policy and resources committee, said: “Members are keen to hear the views of residents prior to making any decisions on parking charges for 2017/18.

“I would encourage residents to get involved and take part in the consultation which will run from Thursday 15 December – Thursday 12 January 2017.

"Councillors will then receive a report with the results of the consultation at their meeting in February.”

The report to members said it is unlikely there would be any free Christmas parking in the town centre in 2017- despite this year's budget excess.

For many years there have been no charges in several of the borough's car parks in the run-up to Christmas to help boost festive trade.

But the authority says because they lost £16,500 - now increased to £19k - over the period last year, they couldn't afford to do it again due to government funding cuts.

Other charges being proposed include fees all year round in car parks including Avon Run Road, Highcliffe Castle and Steamer Point.

Currently during the winter, it is free to park at these locations.

No changes will be made to other car parking charges.

The expected income from car parking next year is forecast to be £2,796,800.

Members were also asked if they wanted the the extra cost of administering Tax Exempt Disability permits to be absorbed by the service.